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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind clearly reflects aspects of existentialism, which sees people living alienated from each other in an essentially meaningless world. The film is based around reserved and introverted Joel who falls in love with the free-spirited and spontaneous Clementine, his opposite in every respect. The troubled relationship soon begins to unravel as Clementine decides she wants to forget all about Joel and consults a brain surgeon who specializes in removing unwanted memories. When Joel realizes what has happened, he also decides to undergo this rather extraordinary overnight procedure. However, he comes to realize that losing his difficult and bittersweet memories could be more painful than living with them. This overnight phenomenal experience is what allows this film to be viewed as a parable of existentialist theology.

As Joel has his memory of Clementine erased, he begins to realize what is happening and decides he wants it to stop, however, he is stuck in a deep sleep, which he is unable to wake from. As his memories of Clementine are erased one by one, Joel begins to fight the procedure and tries to save what memories he can. During this time of sleep, Joel is radically free, able to remake his decisions, and relive his past memories. This aspect of seeing humans as radically free is a major characteristic of existentialist theology.

Existentialism also emphasizes on the responsibility individuals have in shaping their identity. We are responsible for our own actions to shape our own characters and destinies without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong. The film appears to question whether or not humans are able to change or be changed. The Bible makes a clear that accepting our innate sinfulness and to depend on God’s help to overcome our deficiencies is the first step. At the same we have certain responsibilities in our dealings with others and the life choices we make will affect...